Joann E. Behney, 76, of Myerstown, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, surrounded by her loving family at her daughter’s home. She was the wife of the late Guy A. Behney who died in 1986.
Born in Bethel Twp., Berks County on Dec. 18, 1944, she was the daughter of the late George W. and Louella M. (Fidler) Sheidy. She was a homemaker most of her life. Other jobs that she held were babysitting many children, preparing food for Elsie Burger Catering, and waitressing at Frystown Social Hall and Farmer’s Wife Restaurant. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ of Hamlin, where she was involved with many church activities, including the ladies’ aid group. Joann was a member of the Blue Mountain 50+ Club and a lifetime member of the Kittatinny Hunting & Fishing Club. Joann’s enjoyments were listening to gospel music and going to gospel concerts, sending cards, going to bingo, talking on the telephone, and doing word search books. She looked forward to going on Labor Day weekend to the church shore retreat. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was called “Mom” and “Grandma” by many.
She is survived by her children, Ricky L., husband of Wendy Behney, of Richland, Rodney L., husband of Trina Behney, of Lebanon, Rochelle L., wife of Terry Schucker, of Myerstown, Rory L. Behney, and fiancé, Lonna McCartney, of Myerstown, Rhonda L., wife of Jonathan Olesh, Jr., of Fredericksburg, and Renee L. Smith, and companion, Ronald Weidman, of Myerstown, 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Dorothy M. Sheidy, of Myerstown.
She was preceded in death by her son, Randy L. Behney, on Aug. 5, 2020, daughter-in-law, Lori A. Behney, and son-in-law, Larry G. Smith.
There will be a viewing on Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing one hour prior to the service at the Kreamer & Lum Funeral Home & Crematory, Rt. 72 & Camp Meeting Rd., Jonestown. Interment will be at the Hamlin Cemetery, Hamlin.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 417, Fredericksburg, PA 17026.
